The Popdust Weekend Playlist

Another work week has come and gone. Congratulations, we’ve made it! No matter what’s been bogging you down over the last few days, its time to blow off some steam by either kicking back in front of marathon of Friday Night Lights (while ugly crying into your pillow) or going out and fiendishly dancing, before stumbling home in a drunken stupor. Since music makes everything better, we’re providing you with an assortment of goodness to back any and all activities over the next two days. Check out our weekly offering of tunes and opinions below, and give us your own suggestions in the comments. Because who knows? If we like them, they might just be getting a shout out here on Popdust soon enough.

1. “Out Of My Head,” Lupe Fiasco Featuring Trey Songz
Fresh off performing together at the MTV Movie Awards last weekend, Lupe Fiasco’s call out to his lady of choice is smooth and fresh, and made even more undeniable by Trey Songz’s sultry chorus. (For the record, Trey makes everything better.) There are no self-deprecating rants or political criticisms, just very forward assertions of feelings. And who could really say no to that?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InmWuLPKtrY

2. “Lights,” Ellie Goulding
She’s been big across the pond for much of the last year—William and Kate are fans—and a recent guest spot on SNL and upcoming summer tour are positioned to help Goulding emulate the likes of Adele stateside. That’s yet to be seen, but the title track off her debut certainly gets us moving thanks to scintillating synths. The electronic-infused jam is subtle enough to provide cool backing to those endless intellectual conversations you find yourself having every Saturday night. Or, the perfect way to start a dance party. (Check out the Dubstep and Bassnectar remixes, too.)

3. “Pumped Up Kicks,” Foster The People
Some songs just sound like summer. With the temperature climbing, the single off the groups first album Torches is climbing the charts as well, thanks to a handful of buzz from last year’s SXSW and a heavy push from MTV. We’re still high on the song ourselves, thanks to a breathy chorus, joyous whistling and even a sun kissed video that makes us really want to give frisbee a try again.

4. “Can’t Knocked The Hustle,” Jay-Z Featuring Mary J. Blige (MTV Unplugged)
Lil Wayne might be taking the Unplugged stage on Sunday, marking the first new show for a rapper in 10 years, but Jay-Z’s installment remains a classic. Backed by The Roots, Mary J. Blige succeeds in taking the Reasonable Doubt track to church, and when the song mashes up with her own “Family Affair,” her vocals reach new heights.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fOfr3y6OLs

5. “I Do It,” Big Sean
Recently put through the rigorous test of Popdust’s own Magic Box Interview, rapper Big Sean has enough swagger to potentially back up Kanye West’s claim that he’s hip hop’s next Beyoncé. “I was the man when I started / I’ll be a man when I die,” he raps, his flow backed by a pulsating, drum-assisted beat. The chorus is simple enough, but after all the bragging squeezed into each verse (“My dick is hard as titanium”) we need a slow bounce to recover and regroup.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wyly347pL3c

For songs six through ten, including indie slow jams and one legendary showtune, click NEXT.